Timothy Michael Vastine was born December 9, 1982 in Davenport, the son of Joel and Debra (Barnard) Vastine, and grew up in Blue Grass. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 2001and entered Active duty in the United States Army on April 2, 2003 at the age of 20. After serving 4 years, he met and married Amy Louise Pierce, of Brandon, Florida, and became the friend, mentor and father of her son, Aiden.

Over a period of nine years, Staff Sergeant Vastine served his country in varying capacities, capturing the laughs, smiles and hearts of everyone who had the privilege of working with him. In 2003, he completed Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and graduated from the United States Army Aviation Logistics School, Fort Eustis, Virginia, as a 15T, Utility Helicopter Mechanic. During his enlistment, overseas and stateside assignments included: C CO. 2-52 Avn. Regt., 17th Aviation Brigade, Camp Humphreys, South Korea (October 2003-June 2005); 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Stanley, South Korea (June 2005-October 2005); 2-227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas (October 2005-April 2012). While assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Brigade, Staff Sergeant Vastine served as a UH-60 Crew Chief, Flight Platoon Sergeant, and Technical Inspector which included two tours to Iraq from September 2006 to December 2007 and April 2009 to April 2010. His last assignment as an Instructor/Writer with B CO 2-210th Avn. Regt., 128th Aviation Brigade, from December 2010 to July 2012, would allow him to share his experience and knowledge with the future maintainers of Army Aviation.

His awards and decorations earned during his time of service include: Air Medal (numerical device 2), Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Unit Citation (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (numerical device 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numerical device 3), and the Air Crew Member Badge.

E-edition is an electronic digital replica version of our print edition that can be viewed with a computer or tablet.
It is searchable, zoomable and all photos are in color!**Enjoy Today!**To subscribe to the paper, E-edition or both: Contact your parish today or messenger@davenportdiocese.org (563) 323-9959